City Budget Comparison
Can You Live on $3,000/month?
Medellín vs Surabaya — Budget Breakdown
Numbeo 2026 country rankings (cost indices) and OECD 2025 PPP rates · April 2026
Feasibility
Medellín
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 19.1 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Medellín.
Surabaya
Comfortable
COL+Rent: 13.8 (NYC=100)
$3,000/mo comfortably covers expenses in Surabaya.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Medellín | Surabaya | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent (avg 1BR) | $1,233 | $1,312 | $79 |
| Groceries | $890 | $1,030 | $140 |
| Dining Out | $377 | $163 | +$214 |
| Transportation | $121 | $61 | +$60 |
| Utilities | $193 | $237 | $44 |
| Other / Misc | $186 | $197 | $11 |
| Total | $3,000 | $3,000 | — |
Purchasing Power
Medellín
$3,000
per month
Surabaya equivalent
$2,168
per month
Only $2,168/mo in Surabaya matches $3,000/mo in Medellín — better value.
Other Budget Levels
FAQ
Can I live in Medellín on $3,000/month?
Living in Medellín on $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Budget allocates ~$1,233 to rent, $890 to groceries, $377 to dining.
Can I live in Surabaya on $3,000/month?
In Surabaya, $3,000/mo is rated "Comfortable". Allocations: $1,312 rent, $1,030 groceries, $163 dining.
Is Medellín or Surabaya cheaper?
Surabaya is generally cheaper. COL+Rent: Medellín 19.1 vs Surabaya 13.8 (NYC=100).
What is $3,000/mo in Medellín worth in Surabaya?
$3,000/mo of purchasing power in Medellín equals ~$2,168/mo in Surabaya using COL adjustment.